More than a dozen people were injured when a car plowed through a crowd gathered for a cultural parade and festival in New Iberia, Louisiana Saturday, according to cops and local reports.
At least 15 people were wounded, including some in critical condition, after a drunk driver barreled through parade-goers at the Lao New Year Festival at around 2:30 p.m., according to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and News15.
Several pedestrians were directly struck by the car and two of the victims were airlifted to the hospital, Acadian Ambulance said on X.
A suspect, 57-year-old Todd Landry, was arrested after the incident. Facebook/Bubblez Laila
The alleged drunk driver was arrested at the scene. Facebook/Bubblez Laila
Officers took the driver, 57-year-old Todd Landry, into custody following the terrifying crash, which happened near the corner of Savannakhet Street and Melancon Road, Louisiana State Police said.
Landry, of Jeanerette, showed signs of impairment and blew a blood-alcohol level of 0.137% — well above the legal limit of 0.08%, according to state police.
He was arrested and booked into the Iberia Parish jail on charges of driving while impaired, careless operation, open container and 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring, cops said.
The crash is not believed to have been an intentional act, the sheriff’s office added.
The parade was part of an annual three-day festival held in Lanexang Village each Easter weekend to celebrate the Lao New Year. The event — the largest of its kind in the US — has been held since the 1980s when it began as a small block party catering to the area’s growing Lao community, according to NOLA.
At least 15 people were wounded. X/BLT21_
Festival organizers canceled the evening’s planned music programs and concerts, as well as alcohol sales.
“We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds,” the organizers said on Facebook. “We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time.”
Elected officials also offered support for the victims of the crash.
“Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene,” Gov. Jeff Landry wrote on X.